Edmonton Catholic Schools is a large urban school division whose mission is to provide a Catholic education that inspires students to learn and that prepares them to live fully and to serve God in one another. The Division is comprised of over 50,000 students and over 5,500 employees in 95 schools plus other sites.

##Physical Therapist

Requisition ID: 11155

Hours Per Week: 17.5

Position: New

FTE: 0.5

Department: Occu, Phy & MH Therapy

No Months Per Year: 10

Position Status: Permanent

Employee Group: OOS

Rate of Pay: $37,083.00 - $45.875.00

Posting Closing Date:

The Physical Therapist provides assessment and intervention services to students from pre-school to Grade 12 with multiple complex needs. The role focuses on identifying and addressing barriers related to the environment, seating, posture, and mobility to enhance students' access, participation, independence and engagement in school activities. The Physical Therapist operates under the supervision of the Manager of Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Mental Health. The role collaborates with educational staff, families, and other professionals to support student success.

This position will remain open until filled.

Responsibilities and Activities

1. Assessment and Intervention (40%)

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of school environment, students’ strengths, physical abilities and areas of need related to seating, posture, mobility and environmental adaptations to promote student access.
• Assess, trial and recommend equipment (mobility equipment, mechanical lifts, bathroom equipment, other) related to student needs.
• Create individualized intervention plans that encompass strategies, equipment, and staff coaching required to maximize student access, participation, independence, and engagement in all school environments.
• Monitor and adjust interventions based on student progress and team feedback through regular visits to promote success of student interventions.
• Advocate for students and support staff in creating safe, caring school environments that promote inclusion, belonging and participation for students at higher risk of marginalization (physical differences, neurodivergence or other needs).

2. Environmental Accessibility and Equipment Management (30%)

• Assess and recommend modifications to the school environment to enhance accessibility and safety for students and staff.
• Manage allocation and maintenance of equipment related to mobility, posture and seating within the Division to ensure it is available to and used safely with students who require it.
• Work with external vendors to support students with selection, fitting, monitoring and maintenance of adaptive equipment and assistive devices to ensure the best fit between the student abilities, needs and school environment.

3. Collaboration, Consultation and Staff Training (20%)

• Collaborate with teachers, parents, multi-disciplinary team and other professionals to develop and implement therapy intervention plans tailored to students’ individual needs and context to support success.
• Initiate referrals and/or collaborate with outside partners such as equipment vendors, Glenrose Hospital seating clinic, Alberta Aids to Daily Living, and other services to support student assessment for mobility equipment or other needs that are necessary for successful participation at school.
• Provide consultation and training to school staff on physical therapy equipment, strategies, best practices, and safe lifts and transfers training to support successful implementation of therapy goals.
• Work with Inclusive Consultants to problem-solve issues related to barriers affecting student school attendance, such as access to equipment or school environmental modifications.

4. Documentation, Reporting and Professional Development (10%)

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of assessments, interventions, and student progress to meet College and Division standards of practice, support team communication and tracking student outcomes of intervention.
• Prepare and submit paperwork to Alberta Aids to Daily Living that support students’ families with funding for adaptive equipment required at school, such as mobility equipment or standing frames.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in physical therapy and practice in schools.

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

Knowledge:

• Master’s degree in physical therapy with current registration with the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta.
• At least 3 years’ experience in working with pediatric clients is preferred.
• Registered equipment authorizer with Alberta Aids to Daily Living.
• In-depth understanding of physical therapy assessment, diagnosis, and intervention strategies for children with physical condition, and neuro-developmental differences.
• Comprehensive knowledge of child development, potential considerations of physical disabilities on learning and participation in school, as well as tailoring fit of intervention strategies within school environment/routines.
• Experience with adaptive equipment and assistive devices, including selection, fitting, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of how to integrate physical therapy strategies into natural classroom/school environments and routines effectively.
• General knowledge of the Division’s operations and business and general understanding of the Division’s mission and vision in a faith-based environment.
• Knowledge of records management principles, the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), and the Access to Information Act (ATIA).
• Knowledge of workplace safety and awareness of Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
• Knowledge and alignment with the Division's administrative procedures.

Skills:

• Proficiency in administering, scoring, and interpreting standardized and non-standardized pediatric physical therapy assessments.
• Ability to develop and implement individualized intervention plans tailored to each student's abilities, strengths and needs.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with administrators, teachers, parents, and other professionals in a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with students, parents, school staff, and external professionals.
• Capability to provide training and consultation to school staff on physical therapy techniques and best practices.

Competencies:

• Strong problem-solving skills to identify and address barriers to students' physical functioning and participation.
• Adaptability to work with a diverse range of students with varying abilities, needs, and conditions.
• Competence in maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of assessments, interventions, and student progress.
• Leadership skills to guide and support educational and therapeutic assistants in implementing physical therapy strategies.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in physical therapy and practice in schools.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• 100% employer-paid benefits including extended health, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits and a $700 Health/Wellness spending account (prorated based on FTE)
• Employee and Family Assistant Program (EFAP) – provides access to employees and dependents to confidential support services including mental-health counseling, health/wellness coaching, legal and financial advice, and other forms of support
• Defined-benefit pension plan
• Paid Time Off
• Vacation – Starting at 4 weeks (based on a 1.0 FTE, 12-month position)
• Personal Days – 5 days (based on a 1.0 FTE, 12-month position)
• Christmas Break – Division directed leave with paid days
• Work-life balance – 35-hour workweeks, 7-hour workdays (based on a 1.0 FTE)
• Recreation Centre Discounts (City of Edmonton, YMCA, and GoodLife Fitness)
• Bell Mobility exclusive partner program offers (for personal phone plans)
• Inclusive & supportive work environment

Edmonton Catholic Schools is committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace that welcomes and values candidates from diverse backgrounds. We hire employees of all faiths for non-teacher positions.

As a Catholic School Division receiving public funding, our schools and departments are imbued with our Catholic Faith. Candidates are expected to exhibit respect and sensitivity towards our Catholic beliefs and practices embraced by both students and staff.

Edmonton Catholic Schools offers a comprehensive benefits program based on contract status as part of its total compensation package.

Before employment, successful candidates will be required to submit a Police Information Check and Intervention Record Check dated within six months of hiring.

Due to the high volume of applications received, only qualified candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted.